North Shore Cafe heaven! 16 Best Family-Friendly Eateries
If you’re looking for a really kid-friendly North Shore cafe or restaurant for a breakfast, lunch or dinner with the family, here’s the list you need.
These North Shore Cafes and restaurants are not only family-friendly, they’re also a bit special, in great locations and with excellent grub.
Note this list for when you are looking for a restaurant for a family occasion or a celebration with friends. The kids are welcome, the food is good and the locations are terrific too.
This list is compiled in absolutely no particular order – they are all great!
Photo credit: Echo On The Marina
Address: 15 Normac St, Roseville, New South Wales 2069 Australia
Phone: 02 9417 4422
Website: www.echoonthemarina.com.au
Set right on the waters of Middle Harbour, this cafe/restaurant is open for breakfast and lunch daily. You can sit out on the open deck alongside the boats and yachts in the marina, so pretty! There is also a covered area that has sides open on warm days and can be enclosed and heated on chillier days.
The atmosphere is relaxed, the menu is modern Australian. Children are very welcome, and many do come here, from tots to teens. There is a tiny beach close by and the park also very close, so older children can run around a bit whilst the adults chatter.
You will find children’s menu and highchairs on offer.
Parking: There is a bit of parking on Nomac Street with steps that lead down. It’s easier though to park at Echo Point Park and walk along. For disabled access, call the cafe for instructions about the use of the inclinator.
The view down to the marina and Echo from the road 
Outdoors dining at Echo On The Marina 
Inside eating at Frankie’s Food Factory
In the grounds of Flower Power, which used to be called Bonds Nursery, this is a large restaurant with a good menu and a fenced playground right beside it. Bonus!
It’s a great fave withlocal families for very good reasons.
277 Mona Vale Road Terrey Hills, Corner Cooyong Road
0490 666 531
Website: www.frankiesfoodfactory.com.au
The lovely semi-outdoors area, right beside the outdoor playground 
Mids love checking out all the cool things to see at this deluxe garden centre with beaut restaurant
The Dragonfly Cafe is a part of Eden Gardens, a huge garden centre. There’s a children’s playground close to the outdoors dining area. There is also indoor seating and a lovely sculpture walk too.
Lunches, but not dinners
Dragonfly Cafe at Eden Gardens
307 Lane Cove Rd, Macquarie Park NSW 2113
Phone: (02) 9491 9900
Eden Gardens website is here
Read our details post with lots of photos here
Funky outdoor decor at The Greens North Sydney 
Views over Pittwater from the Newport
With stunning views over Pittwater, many areas to sit in and various cuisines, the Newport is a Northern star. There’s a covered area with games for all ages of kids too.
The Newport
2 Kalinya St, Newport NSW 2106
Lunches and dinners
Phone: 02 9997 4900
The Newport website is here
Plonk! Great for food and play too
With a sundrenched deck overlooking the Spit and Middle Harbour, this is a great spot. The kids can play on the little beach alongside after they’ve eaten. Winner dinner!
Lunches and dinners
Plonk!
Ferguisons Marina, 83 Parriwi Road, Mosman, NSW 2088
Phone: 02 99601007
Plonk website is here
Views from the Kirribilli Club 
An exquisite dessert at Peats Bite
This is a super special hideaway with a fine dining restaurant right on the river. There’s a pool and plenty of space for children to run around. The lunch is a set menu of six courses, there’s a good kids menu too. You can stay at Peats Bite too. Excellent for very special occasions.
Peats Bite
Sunny Corner, Hawkesbury River, NSW
Phone: 02 9985 9040
Website: www.peatsbite.com.au/
Read a full post on Peats Bite here with beaut photos too.
The pool at Peats Bite 
The Balmoral Boathouse really is lovely, but try to avoid peak weekend times
The Belrose Hotel is the perfect family dining spot in town! They have a range of seven different indoor-outdoor areas. They offer something to suit all needs and occasions. It includes birthday celebrations, corporate events, and more.
The open-plan bar area invites you to relax and unwind. Meanwhile, their spacious a lounge area that offers comfortable seating for all. Their bistro serves up tasty and well-priced dishes. Besides, their largest ‘soft-play’ playground in Australia provides entertainment for the little ones.
The Belrose Hotel provides a daily brunch menu, happy hour from 4-6pm every day, and sports on big screens. They will keep your family entertained and satisfied all day long!
Talking Heads Cafe offers a fantastic kids’ menu and high chairs. They also have a welcoming and friendly atmosphere. The cafe’s owner, Tammi, prepares delicious food and cakes. They are irresistible even to those on a diet. Besides, Tammi sells frozen take-home meals.
The cafe’s location is near a fruit and vegetable shop, a Japanese bakery, and a French bakery and cafe. Besides, there are art and dance class venues, and the local Carlisle Swim Centre nearby. So, this makes it an ideal spot for a family day out.
Although the cafe is near the road and carpark, it is still spacious enough for children to play around.
The Flying Fox Cafe boasts stunning water views of the peaceful Pittwater. It provides ample indoor and outdoor seating to enjoy the serene surroundings.
The cafe offers excellent breakfasts, light or full lunches, and delicious coffee. They also have cakes made using modern Australian cuisine.
Additionally, the cafe has an impressive kids’ menu with healthy options. Next to the cafe is a fantastic playground, making it an ideal spot for families to dine and play.
This popular North Shore cafe provides ample space for strollers. They even offer some toys to keep children entertained.
Terrey Hills Tavern is a popular pub that promises a great night out. You’ll find the pub in the picturesque northern Sydney hills. Their menu offers classic pub fare as well as a range of modern dishes.
Their Sports Bar caters to all sorts of sports fans. The big screens and many TVs let you enjoy the action no matter which team you support. Plus, their bistro area has an al fresco dining area.
With live entertainment on some nights, your family will enjoy the night out. Read about more cool Terrey Hills cafes and restaurants here.
The Incinerator is a unique, one-of-a-kind venue in the beautiful suburb of Willoughby. They have impressive architecture and modern furnishings. You’ll also get stunning views of the nearby parkland and the harbour. The Incinerator is an ideal spot for all occasions.
Their in-house team of chefs use fresh local produce to create delicious dishes. Besides, they have a selection of hand-crafted drinks and speciality cocktails.
Are you looking for breakfast, lunch or dinner – or a casual bite to eat and a glass of wine? Whichever your need is, the Incinerator has something for everyone.
The Greens North Sydney is a charming cafe/restaurant that offers something for everyone. It has a nostalgic, vintage ambience combined with modern touches. The Greens give diners a relaxed and enjoyable dining experience, with plenty of healthy options and classic favourites.
Kids are welcome and kept entertained. It’s the perfect spot for families to gather together for a meal or just to catch up. It’s also great for groups of friends who want to enjoy some good food in a comfortable and friendly atmosphere.
The prices are reasonable, making it an ideal spot for both lunch and dinner.
Eat n Chill is an organic cafe that provides fresh and nutritious meals, sourced from nearby local farms. They have a wide range of options to choose from, including vegetarian and vegan dishes. They also have a selection of healthy smoothies, juices and raw desserts.
They offer special children’s menus with unprocessed sugar-free items for those with allergies or sensitivities. The family-friendly atmosphere allows you to take a break while your kids play in the garden or run around in the cubby house. This is a real cool North Shore cafe!
Sydney’s Northern suburbs offer a plethora of family-friendly cafes and hotels that cater to both locals and tourists. From cozy cafes with play areas to luxurious hotels with pools and kid-friendly amenities, there is something for everyone.
These establishments focus on the comfort and safety of families, making them perfect destinations for a day out or a weekend getaway.
Whether you’re looking for a quick coffee break or a relaxing vacation with the whole family, Sydney’s Northern suburbs have plenty of options to choose from. So why not plan your next family adventure and explore these top-rated cafes and hotels today!
